choke back

VERB

restrain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confine constrain control curb curtail detain deter govern hamper hinder inhibit keep down kill limit prevent repress restrict subdue suppress

STRONG

arrest bind bridle chain check circumscribe contain control cool cork debar delimit direct fetter gag guide harness hold impound imprison jail keep manacle muzzle pinion proscribe stay

WEAK

bottle up box up crack down hem in hogtie keep in line lock up pull back sit on tie down tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate permit promote release start turn on

STRONG

abandon forsake give up leave loose loosen misguide mislead neglect set free

VERB

stifle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curb muzzle repress silence smother squelch strangle suffocate suppress

STRONG

asphyxiate burke check choke constipate cork extinguish gag hush kill muffle spike squash stagnate stop stultify torpedo trammel

WEAK

black out bring to screeching halt clam up clamp down cover up crack down dry up hold it down hush up put the lid on shut up sit on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow encourage free let go loose release

STRONG

aid assist bear begin create help start

WEAK

persuade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Often appearing to choke back tears, he told his counsel Tony Graham KC he remembered nothing of the accident nor the journey leading up to it.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Playing golf at the highest level was a dream they shared, and Knapp had to choke back emotions Saturday talking about him, apologizing because he had never been asked publicly about his grandfather.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

But his impact throughout life was profound to those who knew him well, and they invariably choke back tears when talking about him.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2022

Sanders appeared to choke back tears when she seemed to understand the magnitude of a 13-year-old kid being scared to go to school.

From Slate • May 30, 2018

I glance at the clock as I choke back a sob of relief, happiness, and gratitude that despite the odds stacked against me I’d still managed to pull it off.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

choke back

Example Sentences

Related Words